In October 2022, Christian Gallner, Plant Manager of Webasto Schierling, and Christian Wachtmeister, Managing Director of Sonplas, got to know each other at the on-site cluster event at Sonplas in Straubing. It quickly became clear that there was potential for future cooperation between the two companies. They agreed to get to know each other's expertise better and to explore possible collaborations for future battery projects.
As early as September 2023, the talks resulted in a first joint project: the construction of a hybrid battery module line for a European sports car manufacturer. For both partners, this project represented a quick start to an ongoing tender. The battery module line was developed, built and jointly commissioned at Sonplas in Straubing in accordance with Webasto's planning specifications. The line was successfully handed over to Webasto Schierling in September 2024.
The close cooperation not only brought economic success for both companies, but also a high learning effect. Impressed by the efficient regional cooperation, the Dutch partner of the Mobility & Logistics Cluster, Cluster RAI Automotive, visited both companies in December 2024 to gain an impression of the project.
The plant is designed for an annual production of around 54,000 battery modules in three-shift operation. Around 6.9 million battery cells will be processed annually. Four production employees work each shift on the line, which is equipped with complex, fully automated process technologies such as bonding, laser welding and camera and function testing technologies for battery round cells.
Christian Gallner (Webasto Schierling) sums up the cooperation:
“Simply top, that the cooperation of two regional medium-sized companies in Bavaria leads to success.”
Managing Director Christian Wachtmeister (Sonplas) is also satisfied with the collaboration: “We were very pleased to be able to realize this innovative project with our partner in the region.”